National Geographic Student Expeditionshttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com
Travel Trips for StudentsFri, 09 Dec 2016 14:32:05 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3.6Interview with Student Alum Ty L.http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/10th-anniversary/interview-with-student-alum-ty-l
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/10th-anniversary/interview-with-student-alum-ty-l#commentsFri, 11 Nov 2016 21:36:28 +0000http://blog.ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=4481How did you decide to travel with National Geographic, and why did you choose the Brazil trip? I wanted an opportunity to learn about conservation from experts, explore an incredible country, and travel with a vibrant community of likeminded students and leaders. Articles in National Geographic magazine inspired me to explore throughout my childhood. Memories of Nat… Read More

]]>How did you decide to travel with National Geographic, and why did you choose the Brazil trip?

I wanted an opportunity to learn about conservation from experts, explore an incredible country, and travel with a vibrant community of likeminded students and leaders. Articles in National Geographic magazine inspired me to explore throughout my childhood. Memories of Nat Geo-inspired adventures coupled with the organization’s sterling reputation made National Geographic the perfect choice. I selected Brazil because of the country’s unparalleled biodiversity and the allure of the Amazon.

Ty with fellow students, trip leaders and expert in Rio de Janeiro.

Where you especially proud of something you accomplished on the trip or a lesson you learned while in the field?

Before the trip I was something of a mammal chauvinist. I dreamed of glimpsing tigers, gazelles, or orangutans swinging through trees; birds didn’t make the cut. But with the guidance of our wise, joke-cracking leader, Christopher Montero, I learned to appreciate avifauna as well. Chris helped me out with binocular and identification techniques, which gave me the skills to enjoy observing birds’ remarkable diversity. The ubiquity of birds, compared to the scarcity of pesky nocturnal mammals, helped make bird-watching appealing too. I ended up writing my On Assignment project about my transition from mammal-watching to bird-watching.

Describe something you did on your program that you thought you would never do.

I never thought I would catch a piranha, let alone eat one! Turning the tides on that ravenous fish was a tasty, albeit bony, experience.

Ty fishing for piranha during his trip.

What did you take away from your National Geographic trip?

Traveling with National Geographic presented me with my first opportunity to study conservation in a focused setting. The emphasis on self-motivation, and the opportunity to choose a particular research interest, helped me to hone the discipline and curiosity that I’ve used to succeed in college.

This semester, Ty is back in Brazil studying abroad.

What have you been up to since your trip? Please include detail. We’d love to learn more about your current passions, what your day-to-day is like, and your current goals.

I’m a Junior at Georgetown University, and am currently spending a semester studying biology, international affairs, and Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro. I like to start my days with mysterious Amazonian fruit (with exotic names like Graviola and Cupuaçu), and a run along Copacabana. I take the bus afterward to classes on ecology, conservation, and history, all taught in Portuguese. Backpacking and otherwise adventuring, whether in Shenandoah or the Mata Atlântica, keeps me inspired. Spending time in nature always reinforces my desire to work hard at building a knowledge and skill base for a career in wildlife and biodiversity conservation. In particular, I hope to use my major, Science Technology and International Affairs, to work as a sort of translator between the worlds of science and policy, helping scientists, governments and business to advance sustainability. In addition to taking classes, I’ve spent time interning in a congressional office on Capitol Hill and rock climbing on cliffs in the Appalachians.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/10th-anniversary/interview-with-student-alum-ty-l/feed0Interview with Student Alum Avery S.http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/boulder/interview-with-student-alum-avery-s
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/boulder/interview-with-student-alum-avery-s#commentsThu, 10 Nov 2016 20:32:58 +0000http://blog.ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=4502How did you decide to join the University of Colorado-Boulder Student Expeditions program? I was looking for a summer program to do the summer of my junior year of high school that would be both educational and fun. I love National Geographic, and as soon as I saw that this expedition covered both adventure photography… Read More

]]>How did you decide to join the University of Colorado-Boulder Student Expeditions program?

I was looking for a summer program to do the summer of my junior year of high school that would be both educational and fun. I love National Geographic, and as soon as I saw that this expedition covered both adventure photography and climate change I was determined to go because these happen to be two of my passions. I also liked the fact that it we stayed on the CU-Boulder campus because I’d get a taste of college. And the fact that we got to meet Nat Geo expert and rock climber Cedar Wright was an awesome bonus!

Describe your most memorable experience from your trip.

One morning, I got up really early and hiked to the top of one of the Flat Irons with my trip leader Nathalie Chardon and four other students. It was an optional activity but I’m so happy I decided to loose a few hours of sleep for that hike. We were hiking up the trail with headlamps and our cameras and when we got to the top you could see the sun rising over Boulder and the Rocky Mountains in the other direction. We found a box with pictures and items that people had left at the top and in order to get back in time we had to run half of the trail. It was such a special morning and I captured some incredible photos.

Describe something you did on your program that you thought you would never do.

I never thought I would get to not only meet but go climbing with one of the best rock climbers in the world. It was so crazy to meet Cedar and hang out with him after seeing him on Instagram and watching him in climbing videos. He hung out and talked with us and we got to see him climb one problem. It was awesome!

What was the community like on campus?

It was such a special environment to be in. Everyone was interested in the same things and excited about every adventure. We were all there to learn and have a good time and I think all of our expectations were exceeded by having awesome leaders, peers and some of the best adventures in my life so far! I’m still really close friends with our leader Nathalie and four other students. Our entire group made a Facebook page that we keep in touch through, and we also stay updated on each others lives through Instagram and Snapchat.

How has traveling with Nat Geo impacted you?

Traveling with Nat Geo definitely better prepared me for college life! Living in the University of Colorado dorms and exploring campus during the program really helped me get a sense of what it’s like. Meeting new people and making new friends during the program also helped me to learn how to talk to people in college. Unfortunately the workload in college is a little bit more!!

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/boulder/interview-with-student-alum-avery-s/feed0Interview with Student Alum Nina M.http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/india/interview-with-student-alum-nina-m
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/india/interview-with-student-alum-nina-m#commentsWed, 09 Nov 2016 22:07:35 +0000http://blog.ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=4476Describe your most memorable experience from your trip. Part of our time in India was spent in Ladakh at The Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). On one of the first days there, we paired up with students from SECMOL and we went on a scavenger hunt in Leh. Spending time with each other… Read More

Part of our time in India was spent in Ladakh at The Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). On one of the first days there, we paired up with students from SECMOL and we went on a scavenger hunt in Leh. Spending time with each other off campus made the interaction more candid. And I think what made this experience so memorable is that we were able to explore the town not only with local students, but through their eyes.

Photo by trip leader Britt Basel.

Were you especially proud of something you accomplished on the trip or a lesson you learned while in the field?

Traveling through India was the first time I really immersed myself in a culture very different from my own, and so this trip was very critical to my own growth. Through this expedition, I learned the importance of cultural sensitivity, how to engage and ask questions while being mindful of the fact that my life experiences are not universally shared. This is something that has been invaluable to me as I have pursued my own research and studies.

How would you describe the community with whom you traveled?

The community I traveled with is perhaps the most eclectic group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is no surprise that National Geographic attracts only the most enthusiastic, curious, and passionate people. Traveling with students from across the country (and world) pushed me to think about certain issues and experiences differently than I otherwise would have. Britt and Himraj (our leaders) were also instrumental in fostering such an incredible group dynamic. And Ashima Narain, our Nat Geo expert, might be one of the coolest people I have ever met. I often forgot how accomplished she was because she was so amicable, and managed to teach us so much.

Photo by trip leader Britt Basel.

Have your travels with National Geographic inspired you to take other trips?

In a way, my travels with National Geographic left my unsettled. I realized just how big the world really is and that if wanted to get a taste of fraction of what the world has to offer, I needed to kick it into gear. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to go to Rome, Italy and the Amalfi Coast; I studied and traveled through Morocco for a summer; and I recently spent time performing research in Israel and Palestine. Next semester, I will be studying abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. If I am being honest, I hope this unsettling feeling never goes away because it is what drives me pursue so many international experiences that have all been rewarding in their own unique ways.

Nina traveling in Rome.

Has traveling with National Geographic influenced your studies or career?

National Geographic definitely influenced the trajectory of my academic career. It is during my trip that my passion for cultural heritage came into focus. The On Assignment project was also the first time I conducted my own research, and now cultural heritage research consumes much of my life. As I mentioned earlier, my trip also helped prepare me to respectively engage with cultures different from own, which is a crucial element of my work.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/india/interview-with-student-alum-nina-m/feed0Pelayo Salinas de Leónhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/pelayo-salinas-de-leon
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/pelayo-salinas-de-leon#commentsMon, 07 Nov 2016 16:04:54 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7663Marine ecologist and National Geographic grantee Pelayo Salinas de León is a senior marine scientist for the Charles Darwin Foundation focusing on the conservation of sharks and manta rays, fisheries management, and marine ecosystem services. In addition to fulfilling his childhood dream of conducting research on the creatures of the Galápagos Islands, Pelayo has contributed to… Read More

]]>Marine ecologist and National Geographic grantee Pelayo Salinas de León is a senior marine scientist for the Charles Darwin Foundation focusing on the conservation of sharks and manta rays, fisheries management, and marine ecosystem services. In addition to fulfilling his childhood dream of conducting research on the creatures of the Galápagos Islands, Pelayo has contributed to research and conservation projects across the globe—including Spain, New Zealand, Indonesia, Cuba and Colombia. As part of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas Initiative, Pelayo surveyed the marine species of the Galápagos Islands, which helped inform the government’s decision to create the new marine sanctuary around Darwin Island and Wolf Island, and revealed that the area is home to the world’s largest shark biomass. Pelayo will join the Ecuador & the Galápagos expedition.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/pelayo-salinas-de-leon/feed0Interview with Student Alum Kate M.http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/barcelona/interview-with-student-alum-kate-m
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/barcelona/interview-with-student-alum-kate-m#commentsWed, 02 Nov 2016 15:55:57 +0000http://blog.ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=4417How would you describe the community you traveled with on your photo workshop? This was the first time I had really traveled without my family, and essentially, with a group of strangers. The whole trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. Our group made friends with each other quickly, and everyone seemed adventurous… Read More

]]>How would you describe the community you traveled with on your photo workshop?

This was the first time I had really traveled without my family, and essentially, with a group of strangers. The whole trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. Our group made friends with each other quickly, and everyone seemed adventurous and excited to do something new. My leaders played every role: friend, teacher, travel agent, temporary parent. They wanted us to go home with great stories and better photos. Our expert, Tino Soriano had unstoppable energy. He was always inspiring his students to create photos that were personally meaningful.

Describe your most memorable experience from your trip.

When we visited the Alhambra in Granada I felt that it was unlike anything I had experienced up to that point in my life. I was overwhelmed, inspired, excited—all of the things that make for great photos and great travel. More than the traveling and the exploring, I loved being with our group. I remember our nightly meetings were hilarious, and a time to reflect on what we had created together.

Kate with fellow students and the Alhambra as their backdrop.

Where you especially proud of something you accomplished on the trip or a lesson you learned while in the field?

One night, we photographed a class for professional flamenco dancers. It was a fantastic setting and the dancers were beautiful, but my shots were garbage. We took turns moving around the room for different perspectives and lighting, and one corner just clicked for me. The lighting was right, and I could really experiment with the movement and the shot I was trying to get. I took a portrait of a dancer that I am still proud to show today.

Capturing a flamenco dancer in motion!

Did traveling with National Geographic inspire your college and/or career choices?

Once I finished my trip, I knew that I wanted to be a Nat Geo Student Expeditions trip leader. I was so excited about the idea of traveling and teaching photography. I’ve led student trips in Spain and have worked with over 200 students. During the rest of the year, I work as a professional photographer in Seattle, specializing in yoga and fitness photography and contributing to Athleta’s chi blog as a producer and photographer. I’m so happy to be able to do something I love and feel so passionate about.

Did you meet anyone on your trip that you’ve maintained a close connection to? If so, describe your relationship.

I’ve worked with our Nat Geo expert, Tino Soriano, for two summers as a co-worker. It’s surreal to work alongside someone who has been such an inspiration to me as a photographer and a person. It’s a great full circle moment. He’s not only a world-renowned photographer, but also a genuinely kind, special person. I still like to think of him as a mentor.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/barcelona/interview-with-student-alum-kate-m/feed0Jay Dickmanhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/jay-dickman
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/jay-dickman#commentsFri, 28 Oct 2016 17:28:59 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7490Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jay Dickman has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, six Super Bowls, the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Jay has lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and… Read More

]]>Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Jay Dickman has worked in photojournalism for more than 35 years, covering topics as diverse as the war in El Salvador, the Olympics, national political conventions, six Super Bowls, the 40th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Jay has lived for three months in a Stone Age village in Papua New Guinea and spent a week under the Arctic ice in a nuclear attack sub on assignments for National Geographic magazine. He has also published five books and numerous articles for National Geographic Traveler, LIFE, Condé Nast Traveler, Time, Sports Illustrated, and Forbes. A long-time resident of the American West, Jay is excited to share the region’s nature and culture with students in Yellowstone National Park.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/jay-dickman/feed0Sarah Polgerhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/sarah-polger
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/sarah-polger#commentsThu, 27 Oct 2016 16:48:14 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7446Photographer and Editor Sarah Polger spends her days crafting inspiring digital stories for National Geographic’s Travel and Adventure websites, managing National Geographic’s photography contests, and running the @NatGeoTravel Instagram account. Her work has taken her around the globe—from Sri Lanka to Botswana. Sarah looks forward to working with students to craft photographic stories about their Colorado adventures.… Read More

]]>Photographer and Editor Sarah Polger spends her days crafting inspiring digital stories for National Geographic’s Travel and Adventure websites, managing National Geographic’s photography contests, and running the @NatGeoTravel Instagram account. Her work has taken her around the globe—from Sri Lanka to Botswana. Sarah looks forward to working with students to craft photographic stories about their Colorado adventures.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/sarah-polger/feed0Krista Rossowhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/krista-rossow
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/krista-rossow#commentsThu, 27 Oct 2016 16:42:59 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7418For over a decade, Krista has worked as a photographer and photo editor for National Geographic Traveler. Her assignments for the magazine have taken her around the world—from documenting a surfer’s paradise in Costa Rica to capturing images of traditional Zulu farms in South Africa. For Krista, the camera is a powerful tool that helps… Read More

]]>For over a decade, Krista has worked as a photographer and photo editor for National Geographic Traveler. Her assignments for the magazine have taken her around the world—from documenting a surfer’s paradise in Costa Rica to capturing images of traditional Zulu farms in South Africa. For Krista, the camera is a powerful tool that helps her understand new cultures, meet locals, and explore the natural world. Krista is also a photography instructor, and has taught multiple workshops focused on capturing the spirit of the American West’s people, culture, and wild places. Krista will join the entire Yellowstone photography workshop.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/krista-rossow/feed0Shannon Switzer Swansonhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/shannon-switzer-swanson
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/shannon-switzer-swanson#commentsThu, 27 Oct 2016 16:42:48 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7421National Geographic grantee Shannon Switzer Swanson is a marine ecologist and photojournalist who loves spending time in the water. After an increasing number of her friends became sick from surfing in polluted water off the California coast, Shannon received a National Geographic grant to visually document how human behavior on land impacts people and wildlife… Read More

]]>National Geographic grantee Shannon Switzer Swanson is a marine ecologist and photojournalist who loves spending time in the water. After an increasing number of her friends became sick from surfing in polluted water off the California coast, Shannon received a National Geographic grant to visually document how human behavior on land impacts people and wildlife in San Diego’s watersheds, and become a passionate advocate for coastal conservation. Shannon has also worked as a photojournalist with National Geographic Travel as their digital “Curious Traveler,” highlighting health and wellness, as well as eco-friendly and sustainable destinations. Shannon is currently a doctoral student in Stanford’s Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment & Resources pursuing studies in community-based marine conservation in developing island nations in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Her research examines the intersection between culture and conservation, and she recently received a second National Geographic grant to document the global aquarium fish trade. Shannon will join the June 30 departure of the Australia Expedition at Cape Tribulation.

]]>http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/shannon-switzer-swanson/feed0M Jacksonhttp://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/m-jackson
http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/experts/m-jackson#commentsFri, 21 Oct 2016 21:02:39 +0000http://ngstudentexpeditions.com/?p=7356Geographer and environmental educator M Jackson can often be found exploring some of the world’s most remote Arctic environments. M’s research is focused on glacial environments and climate change, and she recently spent a year in Iceland studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of Höfn. In 2015, she published her… Read More

]]>Geographer and environmental educator M Jackson can often be found exploring some of the world’s most remote Arctic environments. M’s research is focused on glacial environments and climate change, and she recently spent a year in Iceland studying how climate change is affecting communities near the fishing village of Höfn. In 2015, she published her first book, While Glaciers Slept: Being Human in a Time of Climate Change, which blends her own personal history with climate science. M’s research has taken her around the globe—from Alaska to Turkey—and she has spent over 10 years as a glacier guide and naturalist. M will join the July 14 departure on the Iceland high school expedition.